To be so shocked...

[Firework1]

First post so here goes....At school pick up today, DS2 in Yr2, one of the other mums who I’ve known for a few years has a DD who started pre-school on Monday. This is the pre-school our DS’s attended and is rated outstanding. She was complaining that there is now a man in his 50’s working there this term and she feels really uncomfortable about it. I was so shocked I didn’t really say anything although one of the other mums mentioned how we expect equal pay, equal rights etc but can still complain about this sort of thing. The mum in question did say she was aware she belonged in the 1950’s but she was going to complain regardless. I’m just sick to my stomach that somebody could still think like this. I’m also cross I didn’t say anything and just walked away!

Nutcase. My son's room at nursery has a male in his fifties working in it. I was over the moon about that, I think it's great that he has the opportunity to be taught and looked after by a man as well as the usual women.

Liquidrevolution, we cross posted. Don't suppose it's a very rural nursery is it?!

These are the same kind of people who eye up Dads at the park thinking they're predators, and then complain that their husbands never do anything with the kids. idiots.

Argh! A man near a child!

Doctors are bound by a duty of care, bumsnet; "a moral or legal obligation to ensure the safety or well-being of others."

Let her go ahead and make a prat of herself. Silly woman.

My DS's preschool was the only one in the area with a male teacher. People used to choose it for that reason alone.

She was referring to personal care not duty of care.

My dd's nursery had a male teacher who was an absolute hit with the children and particularly good for children with an absent father, like my own.

I hope the nursery have a good laugh at her 'complaint'. Idiot.

You said they don't care. Be more specific

Do care*

Tuck yep rural. He's based in a room upstairs in the building.

What does she thinks going to happen. The HT is going to sack the bloke because he has a Y chromersone.

Goodness me what a load of nonsense.
There's one male member of staff at my DCs nursery, late 30s and he's an absolute star! Probably the most engaging member of staff with the kids and any reports we get from him are much more detailed than the others.

Are all men who enjoy spending time with children predators now?

My eldest DC had a male TA at his nursery 23 years ago. It's hardly a new thing.

Would she openly complain about a black person being given the job? Or a gay person?

Because it is exactly the same thing - discrimination.

Liquid yeah, that's the one, same nursery :)

Tuck - Its expensive but worth it.

Yeah you definitely get what you pay for. I have two in 4 days. I weep a little every month when the bill comes in. It was never the plan to have them both there 4 days but a childcare disaster left me with few options, and actually, I'm glad, because I think it's worth it.

I used to manage a nursery with two male staff on roll, I showed several families around that questioned "how it worked" and made comments about it being strange, asking what happened if he needed to change a nappy etc. Needless to say, those families were not welcome.

However, worse than this, was that the managing director (a male) originally banned me from employing a male that was incredible on paper, at interview and on his trial day because he "couldn't understand what kind of normal man would want to work with such young children". Unbelievable!

golden yes of course but im not against male teachers i just feel if there is an even split i think they should alternate allowing all the children to be taught by both sexes.
But in my dds case, a class with lots of girly snideness and nastiness that has been ongoing since reception i think a female may have been more understanding and approachable to the girls being affected. So rather than give them 3 consectutive male teachers a female may have balanced it a bit and helped the situation.

Mad Parent - Mrs Head Teacher, I must complain, you seem to have a MALE working at your school.
Head Teacher - yes, and....?
MP - But he's a man!
HT - but what is your actual point?
MP - But but but, you can't have MEN here!
HT - Muppet!

In a different but similar vein my Uncle, now in his 80s, adores children (as did his DF, my DGF). From the time his eldest (my cousin, now in his late 50s) was little my Uncle has had a reputation for being the fun neighbour in his street. Kids used to come and hang out with him, play football in the garden or the street with him, chat, play hide and seek etc etc. Over the last 10 years or so he's put a stop to neighbour's children calling round without their parents in case he's accused of anything. It's so sad that a man can't enjoy spending time with young children without people assuming he's up to no good.

I had several male teachers at school in the 80’s and my dc’s school is pretty much 50/50 gender split on the staff, so I’m a bit baffled by the attitude. Not sick to my stomach though